Veterinary care assistants perform a wide range of tasks in their role. This means that anyone recruiting will want to ensure not only that the prospective employee has all the right training, but that they are versatile, quick-thinking and reliable. The following veterinary assistant interview questions offer some guidelines on what you can expect to be asked.
1. What training and experience have you had so far?
Your interviewer will want to hear about the depth and breadth of your training. They’ll want you to tick the boxes in terms of qualifications, but this is also a good time to show that you’ve gone the extra mile by looking for more unusual work experience or placements/courses specific to your area of interest.
2. Which kinds of animals have you worked with in the past?
Lots of different animals come through a veterinary practice each week, so they’ll want to hear that you’re experienced in dealing with a variety of common household pets, farm animals and perhaps some more unusual customers…
The experience they are looking for will depend on the type of position it is – for example, a veterinary care assistant at a small animal practice or supporting a large animal vet.
3. Why did you choose to be a veterinary care assistant?
It seems simple, but your interviewer will want to see that you’re passionate about animals and their welfare. Caring for animals is at the heart of everything you’ll do, so let your interviewer know how important it is to you.
This can also be a good time to mention how some of your other skills make you well qualified for this particular career path, such as teamwork, working with clients and thinking on your feet.
4. How do you feel about being asked to perform tasks outside of your job description?
A day in a veterinary practice can be very busy and bring unique challenges to the whole team, so it’s important that a veterinary care assistant is versatile and able to lend a hand where needed. It will stand you in good stead if you can demonstrate that you’re a fast learner and ready to take on responsibilities that might take you out of your comfort zone.
5. How well do you cope with pressure?
A veterinary care assistant will have to deal with aggressive animals, emotional pet owners and situations that can be very demanding on your patience. Use examples from your training or work experience to show that you can remain calm under pressure, retain the ability to think and communicate clearly, and handle animals safely, even when they are distressed or aggressive.
6. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Now is the time to explain your ambitions within your role. If you aspire to progress and take further qualifications in specific areas, such as physiotherapy or surgery, your interviewer will want to know so they can see the path you’re looking to take. They’ll also want to know that you’re keen to move forward and learn all you can in the position they’re offering.
7. Why do you want this position?
Answering this question is a good time to show that you have researched the particular veterinary practice or business you are applying to and why you specifically would like to work for them. This shows that you have gone above and beyond in preparing for the interview and signals that you’d love to join their team!
8. What can you bring to this role?
Whatever you do, don’t be stumped by this question! A tricky interview might even open with this, so have an ace up your sleeve and prepare an answer that will set you apart from other applicants. This is the time to explain why your specific skillset and personality make you an ideal candidate and how you will be an asset to their team.
What else should you keep in mind?
Whilst a lot is determined in interviews from the answers you give, you should also remember that a veterinary care assistant’s role demands excellent communication skills, an approachable personality and confidence in decision-making.
These things are all expressed in body language, tone of voice, eye contact and deportment. Present yourself well from the minute you enter the room and you’ll be off to a great start before you’ve even answered the first veterinary assistant interview question.
If you are currently looking for veterinary care assistant roles, you can read about our service for candidates.